Residence Hall Mandatory Floor Meetings
All students are required to attend only one of the four floor meetings offered in their
residence hall throughout the Week of Welcome. At these meetings, students will meet
their floor mates and their RAs will go over policies/procedures for the year, give students
the opportunity to voice programming ideas for their floor/building, explain how to submit
work orders, discuss who to contact when help is needed, etc. Specific locations for each
community meeting are available in your hall.

6 pm – 8:30 pm

An Evening by the River
Relax after a day of moving and enjoy the beauty of the Black Warrior River from
the scenic Cypress Inn pavilion. This event for new UA students and parents
offers a chance to experience the Black Warrior River first hand. A member of the Black
Warrior River Keepers organization will be present to talk about the history of the river
and its importance to the city of Tuscaloosa. Enjoy light refreshments from the Cypress Inn
restaurant and great company! Meet at the Ferguson Center Plaza (right in front of the
Ferguson Center).
Sign up through uaferguson.tix.com
Ferguson Center Plaza
Crimson Ride: Downtown Express (North)

Fresh Fo

11 am - 1 ods Burke
pm
11 am - 1
p
6 pm - 8:3 m
0 pm

Lakeside

11 am - 1
p
6 pm - 8:3 m
0 pm

Ferguson C
enter Food
Court
Tusc
Café

11 am - 5

pm

Chik-Fil-A

11 am - 2

pm

Subway

8 am - 7

pm

Julia’s

7:30 am -1
2

am

Starbucks

8 am - 5

pm

sat
Aug

18

1pm – 4 pm

Hillel Open House
Bama Hillel welcomes Jewish students and families to the new Bloom Hillel Student Center
located at 380 9th Street, just across from the Bryant Museum. Meet new and returning
students, get to know the staff, and tour the new facility. Free refreshments!
Bloom Hillel Student Center
Shuttle Phone Number 205-348-Ride (7433)
3 pm – 5 pm

First Generation Reception

x

This event is for students and families who are new to the college process and want to
learn more about the University of Alabama. Campus partners will be present to answer
questions and offer information about what campus resources are available to help ease
the transition to college life.
Hotel Capstone Governor’s Ballroom
Shuttle Phone Number 205-348-Ride (7433)
4 pm – 6 pm

Family Welcome Reception and Museum Tour
Start a new tradition with The University of Alabama family at the Parent and Family Welcome Reception. Meet other UA families over light refreshments
at Hotel
Capstone and drop in next door for a free tour
of the Paul W. Bryant Museum with your family.
Don’t miss this chance to learn about the history
and traditions of The University of Alabama.
Hotel Capstone Ballroom and
Paul W. Bryant Museum
Shuttle Phone Number 205-348-Ride (7433)

8:30 – 9:30 pm

Residence Hall Mandatory Floor Meetings
All students are required to attend only one of the four floor meetings offered in their
residence hall throughout the Week of Welcome. At these meetings, students will meet
their floor mates and their RAs will go over policies/procedures for the year, give students
the opportunity to voice programming ideas for their floor/building, explain how to submit
work orders, discuss who to contact when help is needed, etc. Specific locations for each
community meeting are available in your hall.

10 pm – 12 am

Movie on the Plaza: Hunger Games
What’s more fun than watching a movie under the stars? Join us for
a free screening of the Hunger Games on our giant projector in
the Ferg Plaza. Bring something comfortable to sit on
and we’ll bring the popcorn and refreshments!
Ferguson Center Plaza
Shuttle Phone Number 205-348-Ride (7433)

Begin your first year by conquering challenges and setting the path for a successful UA
experience!
Join your peers for a day of leadership and community as you begin this adventure together. You will participate in a challenge course and work as a team to develop strategies,
build trust, and identify personal strengths. Our philosophy is challenge by choice - just like
your time at UA, your involvement is up to you! Transportation will be provided to the challenge course location. No special skills are required to participate in the course, but please
remember to wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothes. Space is limited so registration
is required in advance at uaferguson.tix.com
Ferguson Center Plaza
Shuttle Phone Number 205-348-Ride (7433)
1 pm – 4 pm

x

Hillel Open House
Bama Hillel welcomes Jewish students and families to the new Bloom Hillel Student Center
located at 380 9th Street, just across from the Bryant Museum. Meet new and returning
students, get to know the staff, and tour the new facility. Free refreshments!
Bloom Hillel Student Center
Shuttle Phone Number 205-348-Ride (7433)

7 pm – 8 pm

Residence Hall Mandatory Floor Meetings
All students are required to attend only one of the four floor meetings offered in their
residence hall throughout the Week of Welcome. At these meetings, students will meet
their floor mates and their RAs will go over policies/procedures for the year, give students
the opportunity to voice programming ideas for their floor/building, explain how to submit
work orders, discuss who to contact when help is needed, etc. Specific locations for each
community meeting are available in your hall.
8 pm – 2 am

Fun at the Rec Center
Your first official trip to the Student Recreation Center will come with a live DJ, giveaways,
free food and more! Play a game of real-life battleship in the indoor pool, or challenge
your new friends to a huge game of laser tag! Climb on the rock wall, or jump into a fitness
class! Play the hottest video games with ABXY and visit the Health Hut in the lobby! Bring
your swimsuit and ACTion Card.
UA ACTion Card ID required to enter the SRC.
Student Recreation Center
Shuttle Phone Number 205-348-Ride (7433)

Gorgas Open House
Your first research paper is just around the corner, and after this Open House you’ll be
ready to take it head on! We have a lot to show you like books, technologies, services
and even a recording studio. We have all that you will need to survive the college experience. Join us for free cake and fun giveaways! Come have your cake and eat it too at the
UA Libraries!
Gorgas Library
Crimson Ride: Blue Express, Crimson

2 pm – 3:30 pm

Tour T-Town
Get to know your home for the next four years! Learn your way around town and explore
all the coolest places in the local area, including Downtown Tuscaloosa, the new Tuscaloosa
Amphitheater, historic Downtown Northport, a variety of unique cultural hot spots, shopping
areas, places to grab a quick bite to eat, and much more! Meet at the Ferguson Center Plaza
where the buses will depart.
Sign up through uaferguson.tix.com
Ferguson Center Plaza
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South
6 pm – 8 pm

Spectrum Reception
Spectrum, the campus organization for LGBT individuals and their allies, invites all new and
returning students to a meet and greet with another side of campus life and to get to know
some new friends. Spectrum welcomes all students to the organization and wants to issue a
special welcome to all LGBT freshmen at UA. Light refreshments will be provided.
Ferguson Center Room 300
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South
6 pm – 8 pm

A Splash of Crimson: Do It Yourself Paintings for Your Room
Now that you’re moved in, do your walls look a little empty? We’ve got a solution! Join us
for a unique painting experience as Uptown Arts Uncorked comes to campus and walks you
step-by-step through creating your own masterpiece to take home! For beginners and painting pros alike. Food and drinks will be provided.
Sign up through uaferguson.tix.com
Tutwiler Living Room | Ridgecrest South
Crimson Ride: All Routes

6:45 pm – 10 pm

Survival at the BCM
Survival is all about helping freshmen and transfer students! Join this party for fun and help adjusting to life at Bama from a faith-based perspective. Cost is $5 and includes admission, food,
and t-shirt. For more information visit www.uabcm.com
Baptist Campus Ministries | 401 University Blvd
Crimson Ride: Blue, Blue Express, Green

8 pm – 11 pm

BOWL-O-RAMA
All are welcome to join us for free food and bowling at Bowl-O-Rama! We want to connect
freshman and transfer students with each other and other college students. We’ll eat some
pizza in the Student Building at First Baptist Church and then we’ll make our way to a local
bowling alley for free bowling! This event is sponsored by the First Baptist College Ministry.
First Baptist Student Building | 721 Greensboro Avenue

8 pm – 10 pm

Chi Alpha American Food Tour
Chi Alpha Campus Ministry invites international students, faculty and families to a homemade
dinner featuring food from different regions of the U.S. Play games and make new friends.
Rides to Student Night at Target will also be provided. Located just off University Boulevard
behind Crimson Cafe.
Chi Alpha’s Place | 506 Red Drew Ave

10:30 pm – 12: 30 am

Student Night at Target
Need any last minute supplies? Target will re-open Monday night just for students! Transportation
will be provided to and from the store where students will receive giveaway bags, special coupons, and product samples. A DJ will also provide fun and entertainment throughout the night.
Shuttle buses will pick up from the following locations:
Riverside/Ridgecrest | Tutwiler and Burke/Parham
Target – Tuscaloosa Store located on Veterans Memorial Parkway

Ripple Effect: Freshmen Volunteer Day
Each year the UA Community Service Center kicks off the new school year with a service
project aimed at engaging new students. Ripple Effect is a chance for new students to get
to know their community, fellow classmates and the CSC through a day of service. Students
will have a variety of volunteer activities to choose from. Registration for a service site begins at 9 am, and volunteer service begins at 10:00 a.m. Students will volunteer until
1 pm and then return to the Ferguson Center for lunch and conversations about their service. Transportation provided to and from the sites.
For more information:
http://volunteer.ua.edu/rippleeffect.cfm | Students should sign up at http://slpro.ua.edu.
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South

11 am – 12 pm

Gorgas Open House
Your first research paper is just around the corner, and after this Open House you’ll be
ready to take it head on! We have a lot to show you like books, technologies, services and
even a recording studio. We have all that you will need to survive the college experience.
Join us for free cake and fun giveaways! Come have your cake and eat it too at the
UA Libraries!
Gorgas Library
Crimson Ride: Blue Express, Crimson
1 pm – 3 pm

Out-of-State/International/Transfer Student Social
Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to meet other new students while looking out over
the field at Bryant Denny Stadium! All out-of-state, international, and transfer students are
welcome to join us in The Zone for free food, fun, and a few words of encouragement from
our guest speaker. Come out and meet the students from the 49, UA’s very own out of
state student organization
The Zone @ Bryant-Denny Stadium
Crimson Ride: Blue, Crimson, Green, Downtown Express, Perimeter South

3 pm – 6 pm

Black Faculty / Staff Association Open House
New students and their parents/families are invited to join us at the Gorgas House, where
BFSA members will share information about the group’s activities for the upcoming year
that support students and focus on its mission of advocating educational equity and excellence. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the United Greek Council, Black Student
Union, National Panhellenic Council and the Black Faculty Staff Association.
For more information
Carl Bacon (205) 348-8232 | cbacon@sa.ua.edu
For more information about BFSA
http://bama.ua.edu/~bfsaua/main.htm.
Gorgas House
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South
5 pm – 6 pm

Residence Hall Mandatory Floor Meetings

x

All students are required to attend only one of the four floor meetings offered in their
residence hall throughout the Week of Welcome. At these meetings, students will meet
their floor mates and their RAs will go over policies/procedures for the year, give students
the opportunity to voice programming ideas for their floor/building, explain how to submit
work orders, discuss who to contact when help is needed, etc. Specific locations for each
community meeting are available in your hall.
6 pm – 8 pm

Convocation
Become an official member of the UA family at New
Student Convocation, taking place in historic Foster
Auditorium. University administrators will be on hand as
the Class of 2016 takes the Capstone Creed. All new
freshmen and transfer students are invited to attend. A
reception with light snacks and refreshments will follow in
the Malone-Hood Plaza outside of Foster Auditorium.
Foster Auditorium
Crimson Ride: Blue, Blue Express, Green
6 pm – 7 pm

Westminster Fellowship Bowling Bash
Get ready for classes with some back-to-school bowling with Westminster Fellowship
(campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church USA). Carpool at 6:30 to Bama Lanes from the
Winter-Vallery Student Center, 1127 8th Street (look for University Presbyterian Church).
Only $5!
Bama Lanes

After Convocation join us at the Bloom Hillel Center for games (your choice of Ping Pong,
Basketball, Apples to Apples or Wii games) along with pizza. Don’t worry about getting
home...we’ll get you a ride if you need one.
Bloom Hillel Student Center
Crimson Ride: Crimson, Blue, Blue Express

22

wed
Aug

FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
7 am – 10 am

Welcome Back Breakfast
Start the semester off right with a FREE Welcome
Back Breakfast with the Ferg on the Ferguson Center
Plaza! Stop by on your way to class to pick up
breakfast to go!
Ferguson Center Plaza
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South
7:45 am – 5:15 pm

Crimson Compass
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers! Look for one of our Crimson Compass volunteers on the first and second day of class who will be ready to help you with any questions
you have about campus. Volunteers can also show you how to use the Maps function on
UA’s iPhone, Blackberry, and Android apps.
Ferguson Center Plaza | the Quad

11:30 am – 1 pm

Westminster Fellowship Back to School Lunch
Join Westminster Fellowship (campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church USA) for a free
lunch complete with sandwiches, chips, and a drink. Tour the student center and learn
about small group, mission, and worship opportunities for the upcoming year!
Winter-Vallery Presbyterian Student Center
University Presbyterian Church | 1127 8th Street
Crimson Ride: Perimeter South

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Free Steak Lunch with BCM
Free steak lunch? Yes, it’s true! Celebrate the first day of class with a free steak lunch at the
BCM. Lunch will be served from 11:30-12:30, or until food runs out. All students are invited!
For more information:
www.uabcm.comw
Baptist Campus Ministries | 401 University Blvd
Crimson Ride: Blue, Blue Express, Green, Gold

1 pm – 3 pm

Cookies with the Career Center
Are you already feeling pressure to choose a major, but aren’t sure where to start? Maybe
you’ve chosen a major, but aren’t sure what to do with it? Stop by the Ferg Plaza for Cookies with the Career Center! Enjoy a snack while you meet the people who can help you decide on a major and career path. Plus, pick up some valuable information about resources
offered at the Career Center.
Ferguson Center Plaza
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South

Welcome Back Breakfast
Start the semester off right with a FREE Welcome Back Breakfast with the Student Government Association on the Ferguson Center Plaza! Stop by on your way to class to pick up
breakfast to go!
Ferguson Plaza
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South

am

7:45 am – 5:15 pm

Crimson Compass
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers! Look for one of our Crimson Compass volunteers on the first and second day of class who will be ready to help you with any questions
you have about campus. Volunteers can also show you how to use the Maps function on
UA’s iPhone, Blackberry, and Android apps.
Ferguson Center Plaza | the Quad
3 pm – 6 pm

Alabama Farmer’s Market
Come enjoy live music while hanging out and browsing fresh Alabama-grown produce,
assorted flowers, honey, soap, herbs and baked goods
Don’t have a kitchen? No worries! Recipes are on hand for easy to prepare meals in
your dorm room.
The market is held every Thursday from April through October 27th from 3 - 6 pm on the
lawn of Canterbury Episcopal Chapel, across from Burke.
Homegrown Alabama is a student-led organization that seeks to increase awareness of the
value of local produce by fostering partnerships between local farmers and the UA and surrounding community.
Canterbury Episcopal Chapel Lawn (across the street from Burke Residence Hall)
Crimson Ride: Downtown North Express
4:30 pm – 6 pm

Crimson Scvngr—a Text Message Scavenger Hunt
Ready for a challenge with big competition and big prizes? This text-message scavenger
hunt will bring out the true explorer in you as you learn about the Capstone! Turnout is
always big, so arrive early to register, get instructions, and start the hunt. Bring your cell
phone and three friends to form a team. Don’t have a team? No problem. We’ll help you
find one when you arrive.
Begins at the Gorgas Library Steps, ends at the Ferguson Center Plaza
Crimson Ride: Blue, Blue Express, Crimson
9 pm – 11 pm

Chill Out with Judicial Affairs
Getting excited for your first full weekend at UA? Come hang out with the Judicial Board
and get caught up on the ins and outs of life on Campus. Spin the Wheel-of-Misfortune or
play one of our other games while enjoying a free snow cone courtesy of Judicial Affairs!
Ferguson Center Plaza
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South

Greekfest
Greekfest is back again for another year of raising money for the community and bringing
high quality music to The University of Alabama. Hop a Crimson Ride and join us at the
soccer field parking lot for a night of great music with 12,000 of your closest friends.
Tickets are $30 per person, and UA students are limited to three tickets, of which two are
guest passes that can be purchased by non-UA students. Proceeds will benefit the UA
Greek Relief Fund and the Costa Bill Fish Foundation.
Must be 18+ or have your ACTion Card to enter.
For more information:
Email - costagreekfest@gmail.com
Follow @CostaGreekfest on Twitter or search for the event Costa’s Greekfest on Facebook.
Purchase tickets at http://uaferguson.tix.com.
Soccer Field Parking Lot
Crimson Ride: Blue, Green, Perimeter North and South

25

sat
Aug

8:30 am – 11:30 am (Check-in at 8:30 a.m.)

Hands on Tuscaloosa
Hands on Tuscaloosa is designed for UA students to initiate long term service relationships
with community partners. Opportunities include an introduction to Al’s Pals efforts at one
of the sites where UA students work as one-on-one mentors, assisting with tornado debris
removal and working to assist the elderly. Transportation provided.
Students need to register:
www.volunteer.ua.edu/hands.cfm | log your hours at http://slpro.ua.edu
Ferguson Center Plaza
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South
10 am – 4 pm

University Christian Ministry Cookout & Lake Day
Work with University Christian Ministry in West Circle public housing’s community garden in
Northport. Lunch will be provided before an afternoon excursion to Lake Tuscaloosa for a
few hours on the water.
For more details:
www.ucmcampus.org
West Circle and Lake Tuscaloosa
9 pm – 11 pm

On the Town – Huntsville Space and Rocket Center
Ever dreamed of going into space? Well the next best thing to space travel is
waiting for you at the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center! This free visit
includes a guided tour of the museum, an IMAX film,
and even the opportunity to sit in the original astronauts’
testing equipment!
Reserve your free ticket online at www.uaferguson.tix.com.
Sign up through uaferguson.tix.com
Ferguson Center Plaza
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South

3 pm – 6:30 pm

Back 2 School Concert

r

26

sun
Aug

Start the year off right by joining the members of The University of Alabama ‘s Afro
American Gospel Choir and other local middle and high school choirs at the annual Back
2 School Concert. Come out and be encouraged by joyful music as the new school year
begins! This will be an amazing concert and you don’t want miss out on witnessing the 3
time National Baptist Student Union Retreat champions!
Ferguson Center Theater
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South

4:30 pm – 6 pm

Hillel Welcome Back BBQ
Join the UA Jewish community for a chicken barbecue! Students and faculty are invited to
the Bloom Hillel Student Center, located at 380 9th Street across from the Bryant Museum.
Transportation is available by contacting (205) 348-2183 or bamahillel@gmail.com.
Bloom Hillel Student Center
Crimson Ride: Crimson, Blue, Blue Express

27

mon
Aug

10 am – 3 pm

GETTING CONNECTED WITH WELLNESS
Come check out the Wellness Fair at the Ferg to learn more about essential departments
on campus like the Women’s Resource Center, LessThanUThink, and Student Health &
Wellness. Members from each area will be on site with information on all of the resources
these offices offer and how they can help you succeed here at the Capstone. There will also
be free food, games, giveaways and prizes!
Ferguson Center Plaza
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South

28

tue
Aug

6:30 pm – 10 pm

ONYX 2012
The National Pan-Hellenic Council & Black Student Union will be hosting the annual ONYX
Block Party showcasing African-American campus organizations and Sororities & Fraternities that are a part of NPHC. Come out for a time of food, fun and to meet the members
of these campus organizations.
Ferguson Center Plaza
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South

7 pm – 9 pm

International Expressions

Join us for the first International Expressions of the semester, where students are given the
opportunity to learn about different cultures from around the world. This event will focus
on the Greek culture, including samples of authentic cuisine, activities, language demonstrations, and music and dance performances. Students are encouraged to exchange their
personal culture with other students.
Ferguson Center TV Lounge
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South

29

wed
Aug

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Welcome Wednesdays at Crossroads
This welcome reception is an informal lunchtime meet and greet where students can relax
and enjoy Global Music and Creative Expression through Photography, Dance, Spoken Word
and more. All are welcome to come enjoy free food. Sponsored by: Crossroads Community
Center, Study Abroad, International Services, Honors College Assembly and Honors College
Ferguson Center | Crossroads Lounge
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South

4:30 pm – 6 pm

Capstone Conversations: Tips for Surviving College
You’re invited to a fun, educational, and entertaining dialogue about Surviving College Life.
Students share their personal experiences and first-hand advice about surviving at college
in this casual, at times hilarious, chat. All are welcome to come enjoy free food. Sponsored
by: Crossroads Community Center, Study Abroad, International Services, Honors College
Assembly and Honors College
Ferguson Center | Crossroads Lounge
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South

7 pm – 9 pm

NPHC Convocation
Come out to meet the National Panhellenic Council and chapter leaders and to learn how
to join NPHC organizations at the University of Alabama! There is a $5 fee to attend Convocation. All proceeds will go to benefit the NPHC S.T.R.O.N.G. Scholarship Fund. Registration for 2012 Fall NPHC Convocation will open August 1, 2012.
Register at sa.tix.com.
Dress: Business Casual
Ferguson Center Ballroom
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South

m

30

thu
Aug

3 pm – 6 pm

Homegrown Alabama’s Welcome Back Students! Farmers Market
Join us this Thursday for a special Welcome Back Students farmers market! Stop by for
special chef demonstrations, crafts, music, giveaways and, as always, fresh Alabama-grown
produce, assorted flowers, honey, soap herbs and baked goods.
Don’t have a kitchen? No worries! Recipes are on hand for easy to prepare meals in
your dorm room.
The market is held every Thursday from May through October from 3 - 6 pm on the lawn of
Canterbury Episcopal Chapel.
Homegrown Alabama is a student-led organization that seeks to increase awareness of the
value of local produce by fostering partnerships between local farmers and the UA and surrounding community.
Canterbury Episcopal Chapel Lawn (across the street from Burke Residence Hall)
Crimson Ride: Downtown North Express
5 pm – 10 pm

Get on Board Day
Join us for UA’s annual Get On Board Day (GOBD): the place to find a student organization
that meets your needs and interests. Held each semester, student organizations, campus
departments, area businesses, and community agencies will set up shop on the Ferguson
Plaza to share with you a little bit about what they do. Come chat with them and start
determining what you want to get involved with outside of your classes. Join us for an early
evening of great information, prize giveaways, and more.
Ferguson Center Promenade
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South
6 pm – 8 pm

ABXY Game Night
When fall semester starts, ABXY kicks things back into high gear, and what better way to
start than with Game Night? We’ll be playing a little bit of everything as we take this opportunity to introduce you to our various leagues. So, whether you’re a returning member
or a new student, come to the Ferguson Center TV Lounge and join us for fun games, free
food, and good times.
Ferguson Center TV Lounge
Crimson Ride: Gold, Perimeter North and South, 348 Express

2012 UA Week of Welcome Schedule

The University of Alabama's Week of Welcome (WOW) is a large series of programs hosted by the university to help first-year and transfer students in their transition to academic and student life at the Capstone. The official days of WOW 2012 are Friday, August 17 through Thursday, August 30. WOW is for two weeks, but the possibilities are endless.